With the Gambling Act applying strict gambling regulations, Australian bookmakers had to step up with the product it offers betting enthusiasts and not rely solely on bonus offers. We have reviewed and ranked the newest online betting sites and offer a comprehensive guide to Australia’s best bookmakers. NewBettingSites have done the heavy lifting for you and confidently recommend these brands:
Top 10 Australian Bookmaker Reviews
Below you can find quick reviews for our top 10 online bookmakers in Australia. If you want to know more about each bookmaker, click the links to see our comphrensive reviews or sign up code info.
1
Marantellibet Review
8.4
Marantellibet is a well established bookmaker in Australia having been in operation for more than 50 years. This family run business was started by Gavin Marantelli who started operating as a track bookmaker in the early 70s before going online with Marantellibet in 2022. Racing is obviously a specialty for the brand, but in keeping with the times, they offer an extensive book of sports betting options.
✅ More than 50 years bookmaking experience ✅ Racing specialists with great odds ✅ Extensive racing & sports promos ✅ Great customer service including live chat
PlayUp was established in 2019 and has quickly become one of the powerhouse online bookmakers in Australia. They offer just about every market you could think of, and you can also link your account to their fantasy sports betting platform Draftstars which is the only fantasy betting app you’ll ever need.
Dabble is one of the most exciting bookmakers in the Australian online betting space as their product is more unique than any other. There is no desktop site to bet from which some could see as a downside, but all of their technology and development has gone into their app, making it a standout among users. Banter and community is their focus, and that shows with features like ‘Copy Bet’ where you can follow successful punters and copy their bets in an instant.
Ladbrokes is one of the oldest bookmakers in the world having started in the UK in 1886. They expanded their operation to Australia in 2013 with the launch of Ladbrokes Australia, and the powerhouse bookmaking operation has gone from strength to strength since. They have been a key innovator in the betting industry and continue to be first to the party having launched their AI powered Form Genius in 2024.
Pros
✅ Exclusive Ladbrokes Code is BLACKBOOK ✅ Well-established brand ✅ AI Form Genius ✅ Strong site security ✅ Expert tipsters & Ladbrokes Blog ✅ Huge range of promotions ✅ Top-rated mobile apps ✅ 24/7 Customer support available
Cons
❌ Better odds to be found elsewhere ❌ Less futures markets than competitors
Elitebet is a 100% Australian-owned and operated bookmaker and was launched in 2012 by Daniel Paolini who operated as an oncourse bookmaker at Rosehill Gardens. Their main focus is horse racing, and their team boasts to offer some of the best customer service going around. Although racing has been and continues to be a strong focus, they are innovating in the sports betting vertical with AI powered form guides for AFL and NRL which provide instant stats to help find that winning edge.
Interestingly, Neds was launched in 2017 by a group of former Ladbrokes employees that thought they could serve the Australian betting audience better. They met with instant success and the company was acquired by Ladbrokes but retained the employees that made the product great. Fast forward to now and Neds is one of the biggest online bookmakers in Australia with an innovative product that appeals to a wide variety of punters.
Palmberbet has been in operation in Australia for more than 60 years as a family-run bookmaking operation. They entered the online space in 2013 with Andrew, Grant, Matthew and Adrian Palmer being at the forefront of the business. They offer a more personalised betting experience than most, and they pride themselves on offering good odds and actually taking the punter on instead of just copying market prices from rival bookmakers.
Pros
✅ Australian-owned and family run
✅ Punters Club
✅ My Stable
✅ Bookie Bag Promotions
✅ Comprehensive racing & sport blog
✅ Special odds for racehorse owners
✅ Great selection of promos- especially on Saturday
Probably the biggest bookmaker in the world with operations in Europe, Africa, USA and Canada, Asia and Oceania. The Australian arm, bet365 Australia launched in 2012 and has been a front runner in the online bookmaking space since its inception. Their live streaming service is simply the best you will find anywhere, and the offer a wide range of promotions on sport and racing.
A relative newcomer to the Aussie online betting ranks having launched in 2017 as an esports betting platform. They extended their markets to sport in 2020 and also added racing markets in 2023. They have an unrivalled esports betting experience with live streams and more esports markets than any other bookie, but their sports and racing product has really taken off with some exciting features like First 4 Betting. These guys definitely didn’t take the traditional route to creating a leading betting site, but they have outdone themselves and the product continues to go from strength to strength.
PuntNow is a member of the Victorian Bookmakers Association and was launched in 2023. This is the youngest of our top 10 bookmakers but they have hit the ground running with a neat, user friendly mobile app and desktop site. The platform lacks some of the bells and whistles other sites have, and instead, PuntNow has remained focussed on offering great odds and customer service.
If you've tried the best bookmakers in Australia and are looking for a fresh start with a new betting site, we've highlighted 10 new bookies who are all licensed and regulated for peace of mind.
1
TopSport Review
8.4
Another online betting site that hails from oncourse bookmakers. TopSport was launched in 1998, which doesn’t make them new, but with so much attention around the goliath bookmaking operations, this boutique bookie deserves a mention. They offer really fair prices on racing and sport, and they offer one of the best In Play betting services by calling 1800 TOPSPORT.
The timing wasn’t great for Realbookie to launch as they did so in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic, which makes them still relatively new. Although the online betting platform is new, the site and app are run by real bookies (as the name suggests). Realbookie is owned by Mark Sampieri whose late father, Graeme, had been a long standing and respected bookmaker oncourse in Victoria. He was renowned for taking on punters and never shying away from a big bet, and that seems the philosophy behind Realbookie.
There appears to be a clear racing focus at betM with a lot of functionality built around the races. Mates Quaddie option is a unique one where mates can combine selections and punt together on the Quaddie. With that said, there is no shortage of sports markets and you should be able to find every market you need.
Launching just in time for the 2023 spring carnival, Justbet offered a strong racing focussed product with every bet earning rewards. Their sports markets are continually growing, and the clean user interface makes the app simple to use. Login to see daily promotions and try Justbet for yourself.
One of the newest bookies to hit Australian shores, PuntZone was launched in late 2024 and is Australian-owned and operated. They are regulated by Liquor & Gaming New South Wales, so you can rest assured that they comply with Australian gambling standards. While their racing coverage is extensive, there is a heavy sports focus meaning you can find just about any sport market you are looking for.
Launching in late 2023, Tradiebet has been in the game long enough to hone their product to suit their target audience. A solid mix of racing and sports markets as you would expect, and they appear to have a wide range of promotional offers on both racing and sport.
betfocus entered the Australian market in early 2024 and has provided an app and desktop site that have a unique feel to them. One thing in particular that makes them standout in a sea of bookmaking options is their betfocus rewards. Register for an account and see what the hype is about.
Midasbet features among our top 10 new bookmakers but has actually been around since July 2022. They have a dedicated app, and users can log in to see the vast range of promotions they offer. There is nothing particularly innovative about the betting platform, but they do have highly competitive odds which make them a must in your bookie bag.
While still a relatively new bookmaker, Sterling Parker has been around since August 2023, and their product has improved significantly since then. On first appearance, the site and app ooze elegance and sophistication, and beneath the surface, their product is actually quite well rounded. They offer some great features like Protest Payout and Best of 3 Totes which are generally associated with the big bookies. There is a stack of promotions on offer for racing and sport, especially Saturday racing.
Launched in June 2020, Winnersbet also had to deal with a pandemic that saw major impacts on sport and racing around the world. The site is owned by bookmaker Da He, and punters can rest assured that bets will be paid out as Winnersbet is a member of the Victorian Bookmakers Association. The site and app have a clean feel to them and are easy to navigate, meaning it takes no time at all to get bets on.
The bookmaker you choose directly affects the outcome of your bottom line and therefore, we only include the information that really matters to you as a punter in our betting site reviews. We focus on betting products, value-added service and overall betting experience a sports enthusiast will have with each bookmaker.
We look at everything from registering an account to withdrawing winnings and help you make an informed decision. NewBettingSites believes that choosing a bookmaker shouldn’t be a split-second decision - that’s why our betting sites reviews are honest, transparent and a reflection of what you can expect when registering as a member with them.
How to Choose the Right Bookmaker in Australia
When we recommend a bookmaker, you can be sure that NewBettingSites considered an extensive list of factors. Every betting site has something that makes it stands out from the rest, but a well-rounded bookmaker has a betting site and app that punters can trust, enjoy, and get more value than their money’s worth.
NewBettingSites qualifies each bookmaker by these key points when assessing and rating online bookmakers in Australia:
Factors to Consider
Licensing and Regulation
Ensure the bookmaker is licensed in Australia and is regulated by a government authority. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) provides an updated list of all licensed bookmakers in Australia.
Reputation and User Feedback
Do some research about the bookmaker's reputation by checking user reviews and ratings. Here, it’s important to look for consistently positive feedback regarding reliability, customer service, and payout disputes.
Range of Sports and Betting Markets
Depending on what betting markets are likely to use, choose a bookmaker that offers the widest range of markets for your favourite sport or racing type.
Live Streaming
If you are inclined to watch the sport you are placing a bet on, try and find a bookmaker that offers live streams for that sport. For example, you can watch and bet on all NBA games with bet365, Dabble offer one of the most comprehensive racing live streams, and Picklebet has an unrivalled live stream function for esports.
Competitive Odds
Again, look at the sport you are more likely to want to bet on and compare odds across different bookmakers to make sure you're getting good value for your bets. Obtaining better odds is a crucial part of punting that is often overlooked, and it can significantly impact your potential winnings in the long run.
User-Friendly Interface
If placing a bet in a hurry is high on your priority list, opt for a bookmaker with an intuitive and easy-to-navigate website and mobile app. Some bookmakers have an inbuilt ‘Quick Bet’ function which can save time and make the difference between getting your bet on in time or not.
Mobile Compatibility
In today's world where 85% of all bets are placed on a mobile device, choose a bookmaker that offers a well-designed mobile app or mobile-responsive website for betting on the go.
Payment Options
Most if not all bookmakers offer bank transfers as a deposit option, but if you would rather use Apple Pay, PayPal, POLi or some other deposit method, make sure the bookmaker you are considering has that payment option. Also consider a bookmaker that has quick withdrawal methods. While some offer instant withdrawals, others may take hours or even days to transfer your winnings back to you.
Promotions
Unfortunately, this one is tricky, because bookmakers in Australia aren’t allowed to advertise their promotions to customers without an account. In order to see all promotions a bookmaker has to offer, you will need to create an account and be logged in on that account to view them.
Customer Support
Choose a bookmaker that has gone the extra mile to ensure great customer support. Some bookmakers offer a personal account manager that you can speak with regarding any concerns you may have, while account managers can also be good for offering tailored promos to users.
Security Measures
Ensure the bookmaker uses strong security protocols, such as SSL encryption, to protect your personal and financial information.
Red Flags to Watch For
Unlicensed Operations
Simply steer clear of these. If a bookmaker isn’t licensed in Australia, you are gambling on them paying out any winnings, and if a dispute does arise, you won’t have the relevant government body to go into bat for you.
Poor User Reviews
These can be taken with a grain of salt because a punter that has just lost can be scathing enough to make the bookmaker seem poor when they have done nothing but accept a bet. However, be cautious of bookmakers with a consistent history of negative reviews.
Lack of Transparency
Steer clear of bookmakers that are not transparent about their terms and conditions, especially regarding bonuses and withdrawals.
Lack of Responsible Gambling Features
Responsible gambling features were introduced in Australia for punters to be proactive in setting deposit limits and self exclusions. If a bookmaker doesn’t offer these basic features, they have no interest in the customer protecting themselves from financial harm.
State-Specific Regulations
While federal law provides an overarching framework, each state and territory in Australia has its own gambling regulator and specific regulations.
This means that licensing and operational requirements can vary depending on the jurisdiction. Some key state regulators include:
State
Responsible Gambling Rules
Regulatory Body
Australian Capital Territory
ACT Gambling and Racing Control Code of Practice
Government of the Australian Capital Territory/ACT
Tasmania
Responsible Gambling Mandatory Code of Practice for Tasmania
Tasmanian Government
South Australia
SA Responsible Gambling Code of Practice
Government of South Australia
Northern Territory
NT Responsible Gambling Codes of Practice
Northern Territory Government
New South Wales
NSW Responsible Online Gambling Codes
NSW Government
Victoria
Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation
Victoria State Government
Western Australia
WA Responsible Wagering Code of Practice
The Gaming & Wagering Commission of WA
Queensland
Queensland Responsible Gambling Code of Practice
Queensland Government
Australia requires bookmakers to provide their customers with adequate resources to deal with problem gambling and should promote responsible gambling and offer on-site tools, like pre-commitment limits and self-exclusion. Transparency creates trust and this will always influence our review when NewBettingSites make a recommendation.
Best Bookmaker Odds and Markets
A bookmaker should have a good balance between markets and competitive odds. Finding a bookie with favourable odds that also offer a decent range of horse racing- and sports markets is key to ensuring a positive outcome for your wagers.
A good betting site will cater for a wide spectrum of customers and have a variety of racing, sports and novelties betting products. High odds and low prices should apply to most of its markets, and punters should have a range of betting options to choose from.
Your hard-earned money should reward you with a bookmaker that offers more for your buck than any of its competitors. Be sure to choose one that NewBettingSites recommends.
Top Horse Racing Betting Tips
The racing action is non-stop and punters need to get reliable and regular updates on events like horse-, greyhound- and harness racing. Horse racing betting enthusiasts need reliable and updated tips on upcoming events and also rely on having a live stream to watch the action - as it happens.
Some bookmakers specialise in only horse racing markets and have daily offers and promotions in racing events. Markets should include all Australian races and also offer markets for international racing events. Do your homework and choose a bookmaker that is specifically tailored for your betting needs.
NewBettingSites promotes bookmakers that offer Bet of the Day, Best Tote, daily selections for the key meetings, tips on horses to follow and previews and analysis for all races and events throughout the year. Our reviews on horse racing bookmakers will help you choose a brand that offers a comprehensive horse racing betting experience.
Top Sports Betting Tips
Sports betting enthusiasts want a variety of markets across all sports types and sports betting sites are growing their library of markets to satisfy the needs of punters in Australia. Bookmakers should offer value sports betting tips across all the key events for Soccer, Rugby, AFL, NRL, Cricket, Union, Basketball and many more.
Our site not only contains unbiased reviews of leading bookmakers and guides on how to deposit and withdraw your winnings but we also offer tips on making smart bets and becoming a more skilled sports bettor. For now, we recommend you begin with the basics; learn the betting lingo, read the terms and conditions, never chase your losses and check back regularly for our latest reviews and betting guides.
Reviews of Live Streaming Bookmakers
Bookmakers should have live betting or live streaming available to their betting enthusiasts and more and more Australian bookies now offer this feature to their customers. Bettors should be able to place multiple bets with ease, so we favour bookmakers with a great multi-betting interface.
NewBettingSites guide you through your options with our reliable reviews of live streaming bookmakers. Live streaming betting sites with elite features have become increasingly popular at AU betting sites and our reviews help separate the excellent bookies from those that are just “good”.
We recommend bookies that offer a well-rounded experience for horse racing betting fans and single out the best Australian bookies that offer live streaming.
Benefits of Mobile Betting Sites
Along with the growth in online gambling in Australia, is the need for punters to be able to bet anywhere and anytime on the go. Online gambling is moving to portable devices, therefore most reputable brands have their own dedicated betting app.
NewBettingSites always include mobile availability when doing their separate brand reviews and it counts towards our decision to recommend them as a well-versed and reputable betting operator. The app design should be simple and the navigation intuitive. The overall usability should be straightforward and user friendly.
Betting apps should be available for both Android and iOS mobile platforms and should mirror the layout of the corresponding website. Online bookmakers have to be well prepared when it comes to mobile betting as a huge percentage of online gambling in Australia is conducted with sports betting apps or mobile websites.
How to Choose a Reliable Bookmaker
Choosing a reliable bookie might be the single most important thing you can do before you consider wagering your first bet.
At NewBettingSites we consider the reliability of a bookmaker on several important factors - online safety, dependability of website and app, public reputation, and (most importantly), licencing and legalities.
Punters need to know that their winnings are safe and that their bookmaker is fully licenced, following the Code of Practise and regulated by a local governing body.
NewBettingSites will only recommend bookmakers you can fully rely on have ticked all the boxes in terms of reliability. Being regulated by the ACMA, the Australian Government is very strict with online betting, and all bookmakers and local betting sites in your state have to have permission from one of these authorities:
The Importance of Customer Service
Having a bookmaker that is available for when you need help is part of what makes an online bookmaker reliable and trustworthy. Punters need to have access to 24/7 support, and a customer care team fully equipped to handle any problem that may arise with care and efficiency.
Most Australian bookmakers offer live chat and an online email communications line, but not all bookies have 24/7 support. NewBettingSites provide detailed reviews on the top Australian brands, so you can always feel well taken care of while betting at a bookmaker we recommend.
Australian Online Bookmaker Reviews FAQs
Why Should I trust your Bookmaker Reviews?
Our online bookmaker reviews are completed by experienced industry experts who know exactly what to look for in a quality bookmaker. We follow a strict methodology, including:
Thorough research on the bookmaker's background and reputation
Hands-on testing of the website and mobile apps
Contacting customer support to assess responsiveness
Making real-money deposits and placing bets to evaluate the overall experience
Comparing odds and promotions against competitors
How do I join a bookmaker in Australia?
Every bookmaker has its own way of registration, but most follow a simple step-by-step process when registering your account. They would require you to provide certain personal details and verify both ID and residential address (within a limited time period) to be approved as a member.
How many bookmakers are live in Australia?
There are well over 400 bookmakers recorded in Australia, and this number is rapidly growing both on course and online. Australia's average annual gambling income is around $5 billion and this country’s gambling industry is one of the most profitable industries in the world.
When did online wagering first begin in Australia?
Wagering online is relatively new in Australia, compared to some other countries, but it is quickly catching up with the rest of the world. To control online gambling, Australia’s government passed the Interactive Gambling Act in 2001 in response to this rapid growth.
Is in-play betting available online?
No, Australians may not place in-play bets online. Australian betting fans can watch live sports and can only place bets via telephone.
What are the best AU bookmakers online?
NewBettingSites recommend you try Ladbrokes, Neds, dabble, JustBet, MidasBet, RobWaterhouse, TopSport and Betr among others.
How often are your bookmaker reviews updated?
We strive to keep our reviews as up to date as possible. The online betting industry is dynamic, with bookmakers frequently updating their offerings.
How do I know if an online bookmaker is legitimate?
Look for the following signs of a legitimate Australian bookmaker:
Proper licensing and regulation by an Australian authority
Secure website with SSL encryption
Responsible gambling tools and policies
Transparent terms and conditions
Positive user reviews and reputation
What should I do if I have a dispute with a bookmaker?
First, try to resolve the issue directly with the bookmaker's customer service. If unsuccessful, you can escalate your complaint to the relevant regulatory body that issued the bookmaker's licence.
